Question

A nurse assesses the chest tube drainage system of a client who has undergone thoracic surgery and notes intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber. One hour later, the nurse notes the presence of continuous bubbling in the chamber. On the basis of this finding, which would the nurse check first?

A. The chest tube connection sites
B. For bubbling in the suction-control chamber
C. The amount of drainage in the collection chamber
D. The amount of suction being applied to the chest tube system

Answer 1

The nurse should first check the chest tube connection sites when continuous bubbling is observed in the water seal chamber, as this may indicate a leak that can lead to pneumothorax.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a nurse assessing a client's chest tube drainage system notes the presence of continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber after previously observing intermittent bubbling, the first thing the nurse should check is the chest tube connection sites.

Continuous bubbling can indicate a leak in the system, which could potentially lead to a pneumothorax if air is allowed to enter the chest cavity and break the liquid adhesion that keeps the lungs inflated. It's essential to establish and maintain negative pressure within the chest cavity for proper lung inflation following thoracic surgery or trauma. The nurse would inspect the connection sites for any disconnection or loose connections that could be the source of the leak. If the connections are secure, and continuous bubbling persists, further investigation would be necessary to identify and resolve the issue.